Race vest

ABSTRACT

A race vest has a front base portion, a back base portion, shoulder straps, a neck aperture, and one or more elastic couplers. In one example of use, a user would insert their head through the neck aperture, which is formed between the shoulder straps. The user would then use the elastic to couple the front base portion to the back base portion, the coupling positioned on the sides of a user. The race vest configured to run the length of the sternum, leaving the breasts substantially exposed, the back portion running along the spine, leaving the shoulder blades substantially exposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/681,285, filed on Jun. 6, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vests. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vest used by runners, marathoners, and other athletes to carry certain necessities while running.

BACKGROUND

Race vests are typically designed to hold or carry fluids, food, supplements, hydration, clothing, hiking poles, climbing gear, skis and other necessities. Vests may be desirable in many technical fields and for participation in outdoor sports including skiing, walking, running, biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, and riding ATV and similar recreational vehicles. These vests have traditionally been fastened, closed, or attached with the use of webbing and buckles or other hardware that are often heavy, cumbersome, and without flexibility to accommodate normal movement and breathing. They also have a tendency to not stay adjusted to the correct fit, but often loosen in the activity and require readjustment. Traditional systems have extra webbing or other attachment materials that are left long for adjustment to different shapes and these ends are difficult to tuck away and maintain without flopping around the wearer.

Additionally, vests can also trap heat, which may cause excessive sweating by a user. Further, to prevent flapping, a user will often tighten the vest significantly, which can restrict the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe.

Accordingly, there is a need for a vest that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can accommodate gear, that allows heat to escape, and that does not inhibit breathing. The present race vest seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a race vest comprises a body, the body comprising a front base portion, a back base portion and a neck aperture interposed between a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap. The front base portion and back base portion comprise a first width. The front base portion and the back base portion each taper to a front chest portion and upper back portion, respectively. The front chest portion and upper back portion each have a second width that is less than the first width of the base portions. The race vest is configured to run the length of the sternum, leaving the breasts substantially exposed, the back portion running along the spine, leaving the shoulder blades substantially exposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a race vest;

FIG. 2 is a back elevation view of a race vest;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of a race vest, with the right side being a mirror image;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a race vest in use; and

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of a race vest in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

While described herein as a “race vest,” it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to racing alone. Indeed, the vest disclosed herein may be used for physical activities, including hiking, biking, archeology, or numerous other industries where a user could benefit from an easy access vest that does not inhibit breathing and that allows heat to adequately escape.

As discussed above, there is a need for a vest that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can accommodate gear, that allows heat to escape, and that does not inhibit breathing. The race vest disclosed below solves these and other problems.

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIGS. 1-5, a race vest 100 comprises a body 102, the body 102 comprising a front base portion 104, a back base portion 106 and a neck aperture 108 interposed between a first shoulder strap 110 and a second shoulder strap 112. The front base portion 104 comprising a first width and back base portion 106 comprises a second width. In one embodiment, the first and second widths are the same. The front base portion 104 and the back base portion 106 each taper to a front chest portion 114 and upper back portion 116, respectively. The front chest portion 114 and upper back portion 116 each have a third width that is less than the first and second width of the base portions 104, 106. For example, the front chest portion 114 may be sized so as to cover the sternum while leaving the pectoral muscles substantially uncovered, as shown best in FIG. 4. Because the pectoral muscles and lungs are left substantially uncovered, the race vest 100 does not inhibit breathing. This is a significant improvement over vests in the art, which have material portions that cover the pectoral muscles and lungs, restricting chest expansion—particularly when the vest is cinched so as to avoid flopping/flapping. Likewise, the upper back portion 116 is configured to run along the spine and substantially between the shoulder blades of a user. This configuration allows the user's arms to swing freely while also allowing body heat to properly escape. In other words, the front chest portion 114 and upper back portion 116 allow a user to more easily run, breathe, and dissipate heat than current vests in the art. Further, because the sternum and spine are natural load-bearers of the body, it is comfortable and easy for a user to have the race vest 100 so situated. Likewise, because the sternum and spine have less overall muscle mass, less heat is generated in these areas, which again makes it the ideal positioning for the race vest 100. As such, the race vest 100 is a significant improvement in the art. It will be appreciated that while the front chest portion 114 and upper back portion 116 may be the same width, the invention is not so limited and they may be of differing widths. Likewise, in one embodiment, the front base portion 104 and front chest portion 114 need not be different widths from one another. In such a scenario, a narrower width is preferred that runs the length of the sternum, leaving the pectoral muscles substantially exposed.

As shown, the upper back portion 116 extends upwardly to neck aperture 108, the neck aperture 108 forming two opposing members that are first shoulder strap 110 and second strap 112. In one embodiment, the back base portion 106 is integral with the first shoulder strap 110, which is integral with the front base portion 104. The second shoulder strap 112 may be integral with the back base 106. In other words, the body 102 may be a single unit of manufacture (cut from one solid piece of material). In such an instance, the second shoulder strap 112 is secured to the front chest portion 114 (such as by sewing). While it would be possible for the entire vest 100 to be of single manufacture, with only the neck aperture 108 cut therein, there is a tangible benefit from having at least one strap, such as second shoulder strap 112, not be entirely integral and require stitching to the front chest portion 114. First, it allows the neck aperture 108 to become wider by simply pulling the straps 110, 112 apart from one another. Second, it allows for greater flexibility over the sternum, allowing for easier breathing and movement. Third, because of the overlapping material, a strap pocket 118 is easily insertable. The strap pocket 118 may have a zipper 120 or other closure mechanism, allowing a user to store items therein. Because of the relatively little movement of the sternum area during physical activity, the contents of the strap pocket 118 not only remain secure, but the contents do not bounce around while a user is running or performing other activities. Additional pockets may also be used, such as chest pocket 122 having closure 124 (e.g., a flap). Again, the chest area is the ideal space for carrying items due to the little movement experienced by the chest. Pockets on the front side of the race vest 100 are also easier to access, making them ideal for holding larger items such as water bottles, which is a change from the prior art where larger items such as water are located on the lower back area. The back base portion 106 may likewise comprise one or more back pockets 126. The back pocket 126 may have closures on the sides, such as zipper 128. In other words, a user may easily unzip and reach into the back pocket 126 from the side of the back base portion 106 in order to access its contents.

The front base portion 104 may be secured to the back base portion 106 using one or more elastics 130, 132. For example, elastics 130, 132 may be secured to the back base portion 106. First elastic 130 and second elastic 132 may be coupled to the front base portion 104 using first hook 134 and second hook 136, respectively. While hooks are described, other coupling means may be used, such as buckles, hooks and loops, snaps, or other well-known means. As understood, the elastics 130, 132 extend around the sides of a user's torso as shown best in FIGS. 4-5. The elastics 130, 132 allow the race vest 100 to remain tightly secured to a user, while at the same time allowing for flexibility with increased breathing and movement. Typically, the connecting means for vests of the prior art are located on the front of the body, which may be uncomfortable to a user when running, do not allow for dynamic adjustment, and due to the shape of the vest, hold in excess heat. Accordingly, because the race vest 100 couples on the side of a user using elastics, it overcomes issues in the prior art where non-elastic straps prevent movement and expansion, which may make it difficult and/or uncomfortable to wear and breathe. However, while elastic materials are preferred, they are not required, and non-elastic straps may be used.

In the prior art, many vests extend around a large portion of the torso, which makes exhausting heat difficult. In contrast, and as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the race vest 100 does not extend around the majority of each side of the user's torso, allowing it to remain uncovered. Indeed, the race vest 100 forms large side apertures 138, allowing for the body to easily exhaust heat, overcoming problems in the art.

In one example of use, a user would insert their head through the neck aperture 108 with the front base portion 104 engaging the lower front torso and the back base portion 106 engaging the lower back. The user would then use the elastics 130, 132 to couple the front base portion 104 to the back base portion 106, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The front chest portion 114 engaging the sternum area while leaving the breasts exposed. The upper back portion 116 running along the spine, leaving the shoulder blades at least substantially exposed. The user may then store water, snacks, electronics, or other items in the one or more pockets 118, 122, 126. While running or performing other physical activities, the elastics 130, 132 keep the race vest 100 secured to the user, while still allowing for flexibility. Due to the minimal formfactor, heat can easily escape the body, allowing a user to remain cooler. Further, the positioning of the pockets allow for minimal movement of items secured therein, while still allowing for easy access.

Therefore, as appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the race vest 100 disclosed herein solves the need for a vest that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can accommodate gear, that allows heat to escape, and that does not inhibit breathing

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A race vest, comprising: a front base portion and a front chest portion; a back base portion and an upper back portion; a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap each coupling the front chest portion to the upper back portion; a neck aperture interposed between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap; a first elastic on the back base portion coupleable to a first hook on the front base portion; a second elastic on the back base portion coupleable to a second hook on the front base portion; and the front chest portion being sized so as to cover the sternum of a user while leaving the pectoral muscles substantially uncovered.
 2. The race vest of claim 1, further comprising a strap pocket positioned so as to be over a user's chest.
 3. The race vest of claim 1, further comprising a chest pocket on the front chest portion.
 4. The race vest of claim 1, further comprising at least one back pocket.
 5. A race vest, comprising: a front base portion and a front chest portion; a back base portion and an upper back portion; a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap each coupling the front chest portion to the upper back portion; a neck aperture interposed between the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap; a first elastic on the back base portion coupleable to a first hook on the front base portion; a second elastic on the back base portion coupleable to a second hook on the front base portion; the front base portion having a first width and the front chest portion having a lesser width than the first width; wherein the front chest portion is sized so as to cover the sternum while leaving the pectoral muscles substantially uncovered; and wherein the upper back portion is sized so as to leave the shoulder blades substantially uncovered.
 6. The race vest of claim 5, further comprising a strap pocket positioned so as to be over a user's chest.
 7. The race vest of claim 5, further comprising a chest pocket on the front chest portion.
 8. The race vest of claim 5, further comprising at least one back pocket. 